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Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch given all clear for breast cancer

14:08, 29 June 2021

updated: 16:27, 29 June 2021

MP Tracey Crouch has announced she has been given the "all clear" after being diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

In June 2020, the MP for Chatham and Aylesford revealed her diagnosis, and since then has been providing regular updates about her treatment on social media and encouraging other women to get checked and not to put off seeking medical attention.

Tracey Crouch, MP for Chatham and Aylesford
Tracey Crouch, MP for Chatham and Aylesford

The Conservative MP, who lives in Aylesford, first noticed a lump measuring 33mm in her right breast in June, and had gone to the doctors the following day.

She paid to go to Kims private hospital near Maidstone and was given a mammogram, ultrasound scan and biopsy the same day which confirmed her worst nightmare.

Speaking previously to KentOnline, Ms Crouch said: "I was lucky because I paid, but I firmly believe this should be standard to everyone."

After that, she was under NHS care at Maidstone Hospital.

She had the lump removed on July 24, her birthday, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Tracey Crouch, MP for Chatham and Aylesford
Tracey Crouch, MP for Chatham and Aylesford

When her radiotherapy treatment ended in February, Ms Crouch said she intended to "max out on life".

Today, in a statement on Facebook, Ms Crouch, 45, said she now felt as "fit as a fiddle".

She wrote: "Constituents have been so kind asking about my health and it suddenly occurred to me that I haven't actually updated folks to say I have received the all clear!

"It was in part because at the same time I got the letter saying there was no sign of cancer a friend got diagnosed with primary breast cancer and another with secondary and so it felt a bit insensitive.

"Yet I have been so touched by the enquiries that I thought I ought to let residents know that all is well!

"I was so lucky with side effects that I was able to continue work throughout, aided in part by the remote proceedings that the whole of Parliament was operating under.

"My oncologist, consultant and the amazing nurses are keeping an eye on me - eg stalking me on Strava - to make sure I don't over do it (whatever that means) but as I said in a recent post I feel as fit as a fiddle, or as fit as you can do as a mother of a fiver-year-old in a crazily busy job!

"Thank you for your support throughout. Onwards for me personally but I am keen to remain a support to those who are starting the journey I have been through.

"There are some things (like the smell of chemo) that only a fellow traveller understands. Don't be shy - you won't be "bothering" me - and send me an email. I am happy to chat.

"Oh and just because you made it this far....check your bits and bobbins!"

A picture of a letter addressed to Ms Crouch, which she shared alongside her post, said her recent mammogram showed no signs of breast cancer.

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